Namibia Wildlife And Water By Road & Air

"Okonjima Reserve, Etosha National Park, Okavango River, Kwando River, Bwabwata National Park, Chobe River & Zambezi River" - Explore your wild side!
Cover Image: Zambezi Mubala Lodge, Bee Eaters.

Perfect for wildlife lovers, this twelve day trip through the northern regions of the country, offers plenty of time to observe & savour Namibia’s wildlife. Explore Okonjima Reserve, Etosha National Park and the national parks in the Zambezi Region. The vastly different characters of these two areas provide a well-rounded, wonderfully varied, and exciting journey.

Departing from your hotel or airport in Windhoek, travel North, to your first location, Okonjima Nature Reserve, a wildlife conservation and rehabilitation centre run by a non-profit organization called the AfriCat Foundation, where you have an excellent opportunity to observe leopard and cheetah. Next up is a drive Northwards to Etosha National Park for 3 nights. With the combination of savannah, woodland and the numerous waterholes,  wildlife viewing can be very rewarding here.  Ornithologists can be on the lookout for some of the 340 bird species that can be found in the park. Continue North East, to the Okavango River, where you spend 2 nights  in this lush green oasis whilst river birds fly up between the reeds.  Onward to the Zambezi region, where a wilder Africa calls. A sanctuary for wildlife, Bwabwata National Park and its surrounds provide countless photographic opportunities, staying for 2 nights on the Kwando River.  Heading further East to the floodplains of the Chobe River, adjacent to Chobe National Park, where it’s possible to spot elephants, buffalo and water-adapted antelope, like sitatunga at different times of the year, for 2 nights before heading on to the mighty Zambezi River, where the life-affirming calls of fish eagles resound through the day and  you spend your final 2 nights of this tour. This region is home to over 450 species of birds, which fill the air with sound, activity and colour.  Drop your hire car at the local airport and a flight back to Windhoek completes your journey.

Summary:

• 1 nights at Okonjima Plains Camp 

A comfortable & rustic lodge situated within the Okonjima Nature Reserve. This comfortable and affordable property offers a variety of activities and experiences for guests of all ages to enjoy.

• 2 nights at Etosha Oberland Lodge 

A boutique safari lodge offering comfort and privacy, where guests can relax on their private terrace with views over the savannah or cool off in the infinity pool during the heat of the day. Activities include game drives in the Etosha National Park, as well as guided walks to observe wildlife.

• 1 night at Mushara Lodge 

Located in it’s own 2,500 hectare private reserve, on the eastern boundary of Etosha National Park, Mushara Lodge is a comfortable lodge for exploring Etosha National Park.

• 1 night at Hakusembe River Lodge 

A lush green oasis on the banks of the Okavango River. Absorb river peace from one of the chalets, take a sunset boat cruise or just relax on the deck listening to the sounds of the birds and nature all around.

• 2 nights at Namushasha River Lodge

Designed in true African style with a wooden chandelier and carved animals, this attractive lodge is set between the trees on the banks of the Kwando River.

• 2 nights at Chobe River Camp

Inspired by the natural beauty of the landscape, Chobe River Camp sits in solitude on the banks of the Chobe River, where guests can immerse themselves in the natural beauty that surrounds them.

• 2 nights at Zambezi Mubala Lodge

A secret river hideaway on the shores of the mighty Zambezi.  Guests cruise downriver, where the birds are often joined by the occasional hippo or crocodile, baking in the shallow waters along the banks.

• Departs on Sat / Mon / Wed

Although it is possible to book this tour as shown above, it is entirely customisable. We can add or delete days, change the accommodation used and generally design the tour to suit your individual requirements. Contact Us to discuss your travel requirements.

 

Travelling by road is a great opportunity to appreciate the outstanding landscape & scenery that Namibia has to offer, however it is always important to take things slowly when required and it is not advisable to travel after dark. If you do not like the idea of driving yourself, we can arrange for a Guide to drive you or arrange transport by air.  Contact one of our team to discuss your travel requirements.

Itinerary

DAY ONE  – WINDHOEK – OKONJIMA
Distance – 268km / Approximate journey time 3hrs
Plan to leave Windhoek at a reasonable hour today for your 3 hour journey.  Your destination is Okonjima and the AfriCat foundation. Apart from the beautiful location, stunning accommodation and wonderful meals the main reason for visiting Okonjima is to view cats. Activities centre around viewing leopard & cheetah, visiting a night hide and generally learning about what the AfriCat foundation is doing to preserve these wonderful animals.
Please note activities have not been included and can be arranged at time of booking.

Overnight Okonjima Plains Camp (View Room / Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

DAY TWO & THREE – OKONJIMA – ETOSHA
Distance – 236km / Approximate journey time 2.5-3hrs
Leaving Okonjima, continue your journey northwards to Etosha for 2 nights to explore Etosha National Park with exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. On day three, a full day game drive in Etosha National Park is included in one of the lodge’s 4×4 vehicles with Driver Guide

Overnight Etosha Oberland Lodge (Premium Chalet / Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

DAY FOUR – ETOSHA (EAST)
Distance – 185km / Approximate journey time 3.5hrs
Today is a full day of game viewing as you travel through Etosha, visiting the waterholes further to the east and exiting the park in the late afternoon at Etosha’s Von Lindequist Gate. Not far from the gate, approx 8kms, you’ll reach Mushara Lodge, your home for the night. Spend the evening in the comfort of this lodge, completing your Etosha adventure on a high note.

Overnight Mushara Lodge (Twin Room / Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

DAY FIVE – ETOSHA – RUNDU
Distance – 415km / Approximate journey time 4-4.5hrs
After a good night’s sleep, today you will head east towards the shimmering Okavango River. Ten kilometres before the junction with the B8 on the outskirts of Rundu, you’ll find the access road to Hakusembe River Lodge, a green oasis on the banks of the river. Enjoy the peaceful surrounds of this relaxing lodge on an afternoon boat cruise or raise glasses from the wooden deck as the ruby sun sinks into the horizon.
Please note activities have not been included and can be arranged at time of booking.

Overnight Hakusembe River Lodge (Twin Bungalow / Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

DAY SIX – RUNDU – KWANDO RIVER
Distance – 440km / Approximate journey time 5hrs
The drive today is eastward, towards the lush north-eastern corner of Namibia. Once known as the Caprivi, now renamed the Zambezi Region, it is a tree-filled expanse bisected by waterways. It is also home to a fascinating group of people and an abundance of wildlife and birds. Bwabwata National Park runs from the Okavango River to the Kwando River and, unusually, is home to both people and wildlife living side by side. Slow down as you pass through the settlements and keep eyes open for elephant and wild dog! At Kongola, turn right onto the C49 towards Namushasha River Lodge, a lodge that resonates with true Zambezi character. Set on the riverbank amidst the trees, the lodge is alive with the sound of hippos and birds and is a veritable wonderland in the region. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the beauty of the area.

Overnight Namushasha River Lodge (Standard Room / Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

DAY SEVEN – BWABWATA NATIONAL PARK
Today includes an approximate 3 hour long game drive into the Bwabata National Park. Park entrance fees, short boat transfer, snacks and refreshments included. Departures at 8h00 in the morning Or at 15h00 in the afternoon

Overnight Namushasha River Lodge (Standard Room / Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

DAY EIGHT – KWANDO – CHOBE
Distance – 195km / Approximate journey time 2.5hrs
Today takes you to the Chobe River and Chobe River Camp positioned on its banks overlooking the floodplains. From Namushasha River Lodge drive in an easterly direction along the C49 to Katima Mulilo. The road passes through the Mdumu and Nkasa Rupara national parks and wildlife can often be seen along the roadside. Look out for herds of elephants crossing the road and, further on, for the domestic animals of the settlements.

The camp lies across from Chobe National Park.  Join an excursion or spend a relaxed afternoon at the camp. Dine outdoors in the Lapa under the stars, listen to birdsong and revel in the calm beauty of this refreshingly simple African camp.
Please note activities have not been included and can be arranged at time of booking.

Overnight Chobe River Camp (Standard Twin Room / Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

DAY NINE – CHOBE
A full day to enjoy the tranquil surroundings in this beautiful location.  Guests can take a boat trip, one of the finest excursions in the country to spot buffalo, elephant, water-adapted antelope, and a variety of birdlife from the comfort of the boat. In drier times of the year, a guided nature drive along the river course provides an opportunity for game viewing.
Please note activities have not been included and can be arranged at time of booking.

Overnight Chobe River Camp (Standard Twin Room / Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

DAY TEN – CHOBE – ZAMBEZI
Distance – 80km / Approximate journey time 1.5hrs
A short drive north from Chobe River Camp takes you to the Zambezi Mubala Lodge on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. A boat trip from Zambezi Mubala Camp is the only way to reach this attractive lodge on the riverbank. Mubala means ‘colour’ in the local Silozi language, a reference to the harmonious colours of nature reflected in the Zambezi waters. Enjoy a sundowner cruise after an afternoon spent relaxing at the pool. Dine outdoors and luxuriate in Mubala tranquillity.
Please note activities have not been included and can be arranged at time of booking.

Overnight Zambezi Mubala Lodge (Standard Twin Room / Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

DAY ELEVEN –  ZAMBEZI
The Zambezi River is popular for fishing, birding, boating and photography. Today includes a relaxing boat cruise. Ideal for birding/photography enthusiasts. Approximately 3 hours in early morning or late afternoon. Refreshments and light snacks included. Zambezi Mubala Lodge is a treat for nature lovers. At the end of the day, savour the sunset colours and the soothing river setting.

Overnight Zambezi Mubala Lodge (Standard Twin Room / Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

DAY TWELVE – ZAMBEZI – WINDHOEK
Distance – 40km / Approximate journey time 1hrs + flight time 1.5hrs
The lodge is approximately 40km east of Katima Mulilo, so an easy drive to the airport where you will leave your hire car and depart on the 13:10hrs flight back to Windhoek, arriving at 14:40hrs. You will be met on arrival and transferred from Eros Airport to the International Airport to connect onto your onward destination or additionally we can arrange accommodation in Windhoek.

Prices & Booking Information

Contact Us For Prices
Based on a minimum of 2 people traveling together

  • Subject to our standard Terms & Conditions
  • Subject to change & availability of services at time of booking

This proposal is:

  • Based on a minimum of 2 people traveling together
  • Subject to our standard Terms & Conditions
  • Subject to change & availability of services at time of booking

 Inclusive of:

  • Accommodation, Meals and Activities as per Itinerary
  • 1x Toyota 4×4 Double Cab / similar rental vehicle, unlimited miles

Exclusive of:

  • Flights
  • Personal insurance
  • Visa Fees
  • Tips & Gratuities
  • Activities not mentioned as per Itinerary
  • Porterages
  • National Park Entrance fees in Namibia when not on guided activity (PER DAY: N$150.00 per person & N$50.00 per vehicle)
  • Guide
  • Fuel
  • All expenses of a personal nature
  • All optional excursions and activities
  • Vehicle Additional charges e.g. One Way Drop off Fee

About your rental vehicle:

Namibia2Go Selfdrive Vehicle

  • 1 Day = 24 Hours | Unlimited kilometres | Premium Cover
  • ZERO excess payable, unless negligent driving could be proven
  • Fuel Deposit: N$2,500.00 per vehicle
  • Price includes: unlimited kilometres; premium cover; contract fee, unlimited additional drivers, tyre and glass damage, airport transfers, 1-2 spare tyres
  • Price excludes: one-way fees; additional equipment; fines and fine handling fee, lost key call out fee, fuel

Booking Enquiries:

Request a Quote Now »

Any of our own Gamewatchers team of Safari Advisors based in the USA, Canada, the UK, India and Australia will be glad to be of service in arranging your safari, helping you plan your trip, confirming prices, answering your questions and booking your choice of safari camps and lodges for you.

Our Safari Advisors have helped many hundreds of our guests to plan their trips and will be delighted to assist you and to help you plan your ideal safari.

For contact details of all our overseas based Safari Advisors in UK, USA, Canada, Australia, India and South America click here, or call us using the numbers below:

USA & Canada USA & Canada Tel: +1-877-710-3014 (Julie Roggow) or +1-519-686-4776 (Rick McIntyre)

UK & EU UK & EU Tel: +44 (0)7986-978985 (Wayne Hammond)

Kenya Kenya Tel: +254 (0)774-136523

Concerned about the security of your booking and your own safety while on safari?

We fully appreciate your concerns when it comes to booking a safari in Africa and you can rest assured that your financial security when booking and your own personal safety when on safari is our highest priority. Gamewatchers Safaris is a member of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators bonding scheme, backed by a leading insurance company, to ensure your payments are fully protected if a bonded KATO member ceases trading.